2002 BMW 3 Series Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 12%of 26 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 29,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the suspension of the 2002 BMW 3 Series, 12% of the 26 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 29,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Rattling noise coming from my Bmw convertible 325cic, by the passengerside. Car has been in the 3 different authorized Bmw dealerships for fix and plus a final attemped fix at another authorized Bmw dealership where the car was bought from. Total of more than 8 times in the dealer ship with one attemped from Bmw field engineer and didn't fix the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10060324, filed 2004-03, 6,691 miles“Michelin pilot sport a/s plus tires 275/30/19 on Bmw m3 had blow out on freeway at normal speeds of 65 MPH. Could hear rubber whipping the road just prior to the abruptly bursting. Had tires inspected and technician found excessive cracking near the tread and center wear-bar had pitting in the rubber (15,622 miles). Car is seldom driven and always garaged (climate controlled). Tire store had seen identical issues in the past with same tire. Did not want to replace with same tires that potentially have the same issue. Lost warranty credits to purchase another brand for family safety. …”
NHTSA complaint #11048187, filed 2017-11, 92,000 miles“Premature wear of right front steering control arm. Arm was so worn at less than 30,000 miles that it needed replacement. Wear substantially affected steering response and vehicle control.”
NHTSA complaint #10114530, filed 2005-03, 29,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10033135Oct 1, 2009Bmw vehicles: rear axle carrier (sub frame) support proposed class action settlement. Under certain circumstances, a fracture in the steel body structure could form in the area…
Suspension: other model years
Other parts of the 2002 BMW 3 Series
6 complaintsElectrical system
6 complaintsElectronic stability control
3 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsWheels
2 complaintsEngine
1 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsEquipment
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 BMW 3 Series
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology